The move, which also includes renovation of the Old Odeon cinema, has been received well by readers but less so by the city’s Liberal Democrats.

The party has raised concerns about the steady rise in student accommodation in the city in recent years and, in a consultation over the East Pilgrim Street development, said further projects should be “discouraged”.

Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, 1959

A party spokesman said: “We are mindful that virtually every available site in the city centre in recent years has been acquired for student housing development, leading to a potential over-domination of some areas of the city centre.

“Whilst it is acknowledged that this is largely following market trends given the rate of return to developers from student tenants, it does tend to lead to ‘cheaper’ built forms and significantly increased city centre population with associated retail and service requirements.”

Read More

They added: “Whilst the area’s proximity to Northumbria University’s campus in particular is obvious, thought should be given to discouraging it in some parts of the area.”

While specific details have not yet been finalised, it is understood that the whole area north of Market Street has been allocated for retail developments as an ‘extension’ to the city’s main shopping hub, Northumberland Street.

Queues at the Odeon, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, to see the first Harry Potter film, 2001

In addition to student accommodation, the area south of Market Street could also become offices, residential and leisure facilities.

An extensive consultation on the proposals closed on September 8 and the council has said that the responses, including that of the Lib Dems, are currently being reviewed.

Read More

When the development was announced, Ged Bell, cabinet member for investment and development at the city council, said: “East Pilgrim Street represents one of the most strategically important areas of the city centre, and we want to make sure that we create the conditions to stimulate development and unlock investment by taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach, whilst preserving and retaining its unique historic assets.

“The Odeon block is identified as a key site within our plans for stimulating the redevelopment of this area.”